Today’s children have access to computers and internet from the very early ages. While parents struggle to stay abreast with the fast chaining world of computing, computers are introduced to children in their early ages. Children to have what were once a luxury for parents is a simple rationale. Not a bad idea at all. After all there are ample of educational software series for children of all ages. Educational software offer mouse and keyboard skills and have the potential to stimulate knowledge during very early stages. From sights, sound, shapes and colours for the very younger ones to maths, science, bio and other subjects for General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) for the teenagers, computers can fill up many gaps. If bored of studies, fun filled computer games can entertain children from dawn till dusk.
In offering computer based learning programs, parents must first try and test software for their age, relevance and offering. User friendliness is critical, cluttered and confusing software are unlikely to offer enjoyment that is expected of it. If unsure about any of these aspects, play it safe by sticking to software from good companies whose job it is to make good educational software for children. Computer games carry age labels now. Age labels are an indication of appropriateness based on content and actions contained.
Internet is a more dodgy area to discuss. Many argue internet is good and that it offers more knowledge than any other medium. True isn’t it?
Cheaper deals for unlimited internet usage means many homes now have internet 24/7. The idea of limitless download means the household with children inclusive can now download their favourite movies, music and also browse internet as much as they want for a fixed price. Not a bad bargain from a cost perspective. What about the bargain for benefits? The latter has become tougher than ever. Preventing the disbenefits is dodgy and near impossible.
Between internet’s availability and benefits is a slippery route to spoiling youth, and this is a disbenefit. Children as young as 10 years are joining social networks by providing false age and this is a concern. Classroom chatter on success stories and attention attained in social networks are causing children to attempt doing the same. Mass distribution of pictures in social network sites attracts attention and provides contact and connection far too early in children’s life. A race among the classmates to count the number of online contacts in instant chat programs is turning contacts on social network into messenger buddies at record pace. Little or no info of these contacts may ever be known. Whom children chat with, and what they may be talking is anyone’s guess. Children with as many as 1000 contacts on messenger chuckle away when it is suggested that they become un-friends with the many. Are they all classmates, friends and relatives or strangers from across the globe? We may never know, nor will they ever reveal the truth.
Ascertaining a child’s use of such social network sites and programs is a first step. Next is to gradually disconnect and distance children from such use. Compensate it by spending quality time with the child. Discourage use of social sites and programs whilst directing into alternative means of entertainment. Establishing an instant barrier or barring access could result in an unhappy encounter specially if he/she has had virtual presence on the internet.
Consider switching to newer operating systems(OS) as they offer a fair amount of parental controls. Parental controls in newer OS include web filters, time limits, games by rating or title, and allow or block specific programs. These controls should be put to practice. |